This morning when we made this post we missed three names of panellists that were in the workshop. We'd like to thank Connor Yuzwenko-Martin and Ebony Gooden, as well as interpreter Nicole Sanders, for being on this panel and bringing accessibility to the arts community. twitter.com/nextfest…

Did you miss last night’s performance because you were at the Black Lives Matter rally? We recorded the entire performance for you to enjoy (including open captions).
We thank you for supporting #BlackLivesMatter. See you all tonight. Watch here: nextfest.org/nextfes…

We are looking to share & highlight the artists we have been consulting with, however, we are currently waiting on consent to do so. Check back soon to learn about these generous and kind artists. Thank you for your time, your love, and your feedback. #BlackLivesMatter.

We will continue working in consultation and prioritizing making space for artists who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour within our festival and beyond it. We accept the responsibility of taking action on our promises.

Nextfest High School

They’re fierce, they’re creative, they’re passionate, they’re talented and they have Math 20 in the morning. Nextfest presents our celebration of high school artists, a festival within a festival we’ve lovingly dubbed NEXTNextfest. This multi-medium showcase of Edmonton and area artists provides a platform for teen artists under the age of 18 who are serious about creating careers in theatre, music, dance, poetry and visual art. These secondary school artists are encouraged to boldly present their work… and show the twenty-somethings how it’s done! Curated by Jennifer Peebles.

THE RED SUN RISES ON CHRIST CITY

Thursday, June 4, 2020
written and performed by Spinelli Teleski
discipline: Theatre

This is a story about two Thursday’s ten years apart.

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SLEEP

Sunday, June 7, 2020
written and directed by Lucia Rodriguez-Cavanagh
filmography and editing by Lauren Toporowski
discipline: Film

This piece is centred around feeling stuck in cycles, the idea of escapism, and exploring what we do to escape our everyday lives. Sleep follows the journey of two people and their intense desire for change, control, and connection. This messy, often shortsighted desire for change of any kind leaves these two people exactly where they began: doomed to repeat their destructive cycle over and over again.

featuring Sydney Jackson and Warren Suggit

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CHRISTINA HOLLINGWORTH

Sunday, June 7, 2020
discipline: Music

Christina Hollingworth is a multitalented thirteen-year-old singer-songwriter who plays the piano and ukulele. She’s also a member of Enoch Cree Nation, which is a first nation located near Edmonton, Alberta.

Christina’s motivation for her music is finding a way to express her thoughts and feelings about her personal life experiences. She wants to have fun with her songs and that comes through in the melodies and words.

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I’M FINE

I’m Fine takes place inside someone’s brain. The emotions interact and fight each other on a journey to discover what it actually means to be healthy and stable.

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Vanguard Collective presents

IMPROV 4X4X4

Thursday, June 11, 2020
discipline: Theatre

The Vanguard Improv Showcase takes on Nextfest 2020! Hold onto your couch cushions because the Vanguard is showcasing senior improvisors by bringing students from across the city, mixing up the teams, and presenting the Improv 4x4x4: 4 teams x 4 scenes each x 4 minutes.

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THE LEFTOVER COMEDY SPECIAL

Wednesday, June 10, 2020
written by Madison May
directed by Tessa Yakimchuk
discipline: Theatre

With the pandemic surrounding us, sometimes it feels like there is little comfort. Luckily for everyone, laughter is the best medicine. While we may not have the best comedians, we do have the ones that were leftover. These comedians may not be that funny, but they are fun to laugh at. The Leftover Comedy is a satire on stand up, storytelling, and bad jokes.

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MISSING YOU

Friday, June 12, 2020
created and performed by Darrien Byers
discipline: Dance

Missing You is about someone dealing with the loss of a mentor/loved one. It started out with losing someone who was a huge mentor and inspiration, here was my way of coping with the loss.

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A CREATURE IN THE MIST

Sunday, June 14, 2020
directed and written by Madysyn Batsch
discipline: Theatre

Two friends meet up at a park after a neighbour spills a secret. They want revenge but instead have to figure out a way to stay alive. Do they succeed or do they become the mist’s next victims?

featuring Madysyn Batsch and Gillian Murray

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NOT-SO SUPERHERO

Sunday, June 14, 2020
written and directed by Chidinma Amogu
discipline: Theatre

Reid has superpowers. She’s had them all her life—and she’s been able to hide them all her life. All of that changes after an unfortunate encounter with a speeding truck and a crosswalk full of children. Now there’s a pesky supervillain knocking at her window bearing ill-advised gifts, and she’s racking her brain trying to figure out how to tell them and everyone else that she is NOT a superhero.